It may well have slipped under your radar, but new cafe Fettle is definitely worth checking out…

In many ways, Great George Street is a bustling hub, a favourite with local students and workers at LGI, but it’s also a little bit off the beaten track, so you’d be forgiven for missing Fettle, the new cafe that’s opened up right at the far end of the street. For most of us, it’s a little out of the way, but everything they’ve done is designed to make it worth the extra walk – so you’re in for a treat.

Credit: Katie Nicole

Fettle has been a labour of love for owners Simon Hawkins and Kamil Wangin. They wanted to create a cool, modern space where you can relax and catch up with friends over a cup of coffee or a bite to eat – and Fettle is the result. They’ve taken inspiration from Scandinavian design, but also from all the coffee shops and eateries they love in London, to make something a little bit special.

It has that minimalist Scandinavian feel, but brought to life with colourful cushions, patterned sofas and faux fur trimmings. The glass-fronted unit is filled with natural light, creating a lovely space to spend an hour or two, and when the sun does finally set, their statement light fixtures come into play – think huge brass cones and delicate glass pendants.

Credit: Katie Nicole

“We have our own particular style, design and atmosphere,” Simon told us, and it runs through everything from the decor to the coffee and the food. “We’re coming at it from a different angle, bringing together great meals with a cosy, modern coffee shop style atmosphere.”

The food and drink offering is obviously a highlight. They’ve gone the extra mile to make everything a little bit special – and you’ll taste it. The menu takes you from breakfast through to lunch, or on the weekends, brunch because no one wants to get up early when they don’t have to.

Credit: Katie Nicole

You can start your day with creamy Eggs Benedict, made with fresh, locally sourced eggs and served on thick slices of Leeds Bread Co-op sourdough, alongside all manner of other filling but tasty dishes. Come lunchtime, you can indulge in creative dishes like Peach & Goats Cheese Salad, Beetroot & Coconut Milk Soup and Smashed Avocado on Toast. Expect to see a few familiar names here too, with cakes from Tarte & Berry and coffee from Limini, just outside Bradford.

“We’re about simple things done exceptionally, whether that’s our coffee, which is caramel-y, or our homemade lasagne which is beefy, creamy and cheesy with just a couple of light sheets of pasta,” Kamil explained. “We’ve got a great range of sandwiches, snacks, cakes, and our daily, seasonal soups are always vegan and gluten free.”

Credit: Katie Nicole

Fettle has a strong concept and one they’ve pulled off to perfection, so we’re expecting this to become a popular hangout, not just for us, but for everyone in Leeds. And if you have to walk an extra 5 minutes for it, well hell, it’s definitely worth it.